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IntercessoryPrayer Training
From 60 Seconds to 60 Minutes in Prayer.
Part I
Intimacy With God
by Rev. Richard W. LaFountain
February 2002February 2002
Copyright 1992. All rights reserved. No portion of this may be copied, filed, or republished in any formwithout the express written consent of the author, Richard W. LaFountain. It may be used in the church
context for prayer training as long as the copyright and web address remains printed thereon.
Twelve Biblical Steps to Intercession
This is a training course in intercessory prayer. It is a prayer strategy based on 12 BiblicalSteps of Intercession. This intercessory prayer time is to be divided into two parts:INTIMACY and then INTERCESSION.
INTIMACY WITH GOD
It begins with your relationship to God in “INTIMACY.” Daniel says, “They who knowtheir God will be strong and do exploits.” (Daniel 11:32b) Daniel knew God because hespent many disciplined hours alone with him.
This intimacy begins with the simple discipline of "being still" and grows from there. Westart with learning to be quiet in God’s presence and so, to hear His whispers. It is aboutintimacy, not getting things from God. It is about relationship, not about telling God allthe world’s needs. Begin small by learning the first step. It will take you awhile. It tookme a good year to learn to be still. I still struggle with it. We are not used to being still orlistening to God’s whisper. It takes time. It takes patience, but you can learn it.
Begin with one step, the first step. Learn it well until you can discipline yourself to spendthree minutes on it without distraction. A three-minute egg timer will become your bestfriend as you seek to discipline your mind and heart in prayer.
It is extremely important to spend adequate time in preparation for intercession since thatis the discipline most often neglected or missing altogether in our times of intercession. Itis important because God says it is.
A workbook is available to accompany Intercessory Prayer Training Seminars.
12 Step Prayer Guide12 Step Prayer Guide
INTIMACY INTERCESSION
Focus on God Focus on Others 1. Be Still 7. Pray for Souls 2. Be Thankful 8. Pray for Saints 3. Be Worshipful 9. Pray for Sickness
Focus on You Focus on the World 4. Confession 10. Pray for Minister 5. Clothe Self in Armor 11. Pray for Missionaries 6. Cast your care 12. Pray for Magistrates
Step 1 – BE STILLStep 1 – BE STILL
Without a doubt the most difficult step in intercessory prayer is this one – keep silence, bestill. Learn this step and you will transform your prayer life. Remember, your mind is likean undisciplined child running constantly and refusing to be dominated. It wants it ownway. It is like a wild stallion that does not want to be tamed, bridled or ruled. It wanderswherever it wishes. It clamors for its own way. It speeds ahead to its own agenda. Itrefuses to be brought under control. But God says it must be bridled. Peter urges us to“gird up the loins of your mind.” (1 Peter 1:13) Paul says, “Bring every thought into thecaptivity of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)
A SecretThere is a secret that God reveals to his servants that is hidden from all other men. It is thesecret of his presence. He delights to walk and talk with us but he will only do so in the“Secret place of the Most High.” Therefore David exalts the mystery of that secret retreatwith God alone where God shadows over his own with his protective presence. Jesus saidthat the secret place for believers is the “closet of prayer” in Matthew 6:6. The Greekword translated in KJV is “tameion” which means a closet, secret or inner chamber, or astorehouse – thus “a closet.” He is very specific about it. “When you have entered intoyour “tameion” (secret chamber), shut the door…and pray in secret!” God longs to havethat romantic secret chamber of interlude with each of us.
A Command (not a suggestion)God has given his people express commands governing the turbulence of their own heartsand the peace that he offers and expects. None stands out so markedly as Isaiah 30:15 "Inquietness and confidence will be your strength and you would not..." It declares that theLord's purpose is for his people to return to Him to find quietness and confidence beforeHim. The indictment was that his people "WOULD NOT," therefore they had no peace.
• Psalm 4:4 “Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still.”• Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am thy God..."• Isaiah 30:15 "In quietness and confidence will be your strength and you would not..."• Isaiah 32:17 "The effect of righteousness is quietness and assurance forever."• Isaiah 41:1 “Keep silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew their strength: let them
come near; then let them speak: let us come near together to judgment.”• I Kings 19:12 “After the earthquate a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still
small voice.”• Ecclesiastes 3:7 “A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;”• Habakkuk 2:20 “But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.”• Mark 4:39 “And he arose and rebuked the wind and said unto the sea, Peace be still. And the wind
ceased, and there was a great calm.”• Revelation 8:1 “And there was silence in heaven for about the space of a half hour.”
It is the mandate of God that we still ourselves before him in order to find his peace andhear his voice. So thus we have as the first and most important step in the believer'sprayer life to still ourselves before the Lord.
Priority – “I set the Lord always before me...”What is first in your life? David testified that he always, meaning every day, “set the Lordbefore me.” (Psalm 16:8) The word used here is the same used in Exodus 20:3 for thecommand “to have (to place) no other Gods before Him.” God is a jealous God and willnot share his glory with another. (Exodus 34:14) There is room for only one on theThrone of Omnipotence. Either God, the Lord, is first and supreme and before all othersor someone (maybe you?), or something else is first (your agenda, day-timer?) and on thethrone. Jesus indicates the same priority theme in Matthew 6:33 when he commands thatwe “Seek first the kingdom of God and everything else will fall in place.”
Listen – Hear His VoiceWe live in a busy, noisy, tumultuous society. There is noise and constant demands for ourattention every waking hour. There may not be any quiet Judean hillsides for us to retreatto daily for prayer. Therefore we must find an inner solitude in the Lord's presence.Elijah, the mighty prevailing intercessor, learned this lesson when in weariness of the battlehe fled into the wilderness. God sent first the wind and storm, then the earthquake andfinally the fire. But God was not in them. After this there was “a still small voice.” Godwas found, not in the spectacular, but in the stillness.
Quiet RestRest is important to God. The tireless Creator rested the seventh day from all his work.He commands us to do the same on the Lord’s Day. He enforced the year of Jubilee forthe land to rest. So too, he wants us to rest in Him. Get this message from Isaiah 40. “TheCreator of the ends of the earth, does not faint, neither is He weary…” But they thatwait on the Lord will renew their strength. God doesn’t need to rest, we do!
Isaiah 40:28-31Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends ofthe earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. 29 He giveth powerto the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and beweary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew theirstrength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk,and not faint.
Wait on the LordIn the age of cell phones, microwaves, satellite TVs, high speed computers, and nano-second processing, we don’t like to wait. But waiting on God is an important biblicalprinciple. Most of us are in a constant frenetic hurry. We don’t like to wait. We don’t havetime to wait. Waiting is a waste of time. So we don’t wait and we miss God’s train ofblessing. Waiting is part of the blessing of prayer. It requires that we put aside the rush oflife and sit still and just wait. The point of prayer is not getting stuff from God. The pointof prayer is getting God! Take skiing for example. The thrill of skiing is not in the arrivalat the bottom of the hill, but in the joy of getting there – so it is with seeking God. Thedelight of prayer is not getting the answers, but being in the presence of the One whofreely gives us all things.
• Psalms 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, Isay, on the LORD.
• Psalms 37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him.• Isaiah 30:18 And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will
he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are allthey that wait for him.
One Desire – To Behold His BeautyDavid again is a wonderful example of one who learned about the secret place of stillnessbefore God. He declares, “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek after.”What is that one thing that consumed his desire? It was to behold the beauty of the Lord,then secondly to inquire in his temple. Beholding God’s beauty begins in the quiet place ofstillness. Then it blossoms into worship, the second step of our intercessory prayerstrategy. One desire… what is yours?
Songs of Quietness: • There is a Quiet Place: There is a quiet place, far from the noise and pace, where God
can soothe the troubled heart. Sheltered by tree and flower, and in that quiet hour, wefind a new, new day.
• In the Garden: I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses, and the
voice I hear falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses. And he walks with me and hetalks with me. And he tells me I am his own. And the joy we share as we tarry there,none other has ever known.
• Be Still My Soul: Be still my soul, the Lord is on they side. Bear patiently thy cross of
grief or pain. Leave to thy God to order and provide. In every change he faithful willremain.
Try singing these songs quietly, even mentally, to help quiet your heart and mind.
On no other step is it more important to begin and continue to use the 3-minute timer. It isthe only way I know of to make myself be still before the throne.
The secret is in the discipline of laying aside everything else until your heart,mind and spirit are quiet before God. God says, “Be still!” The choice toobey him or not is up to you. Obedience begins here.
Even Heaven requires silence
Revelation 8:1 And when he had opened the seventh seal,there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.
As you attempt to train yourself in these prayer disciplines remember that learning new habits takes time.Don’t try to apply all of the steps at the same time. May I suggest that you discipline yourself in this stepof silence only for at least 4 weeks, 10 minutes per day before going on to the next step.
Practical DisciplinesPractical Disciplines
1. Enter into your secret chamber, your closet. Find a quiet undisturbed place. Once youare alone before God "Shut the door." Block out all distractions but God Himself.
2. Kneel or lay prostrate in the Lord's presence. (Only under real medical prohibitionshould you do otherwise. Kneeling or prostrate are worship positions.) You need notbe uncomfortable but neither should you be lazy in prayer. Philippians 2:10-11 “everyknee shall bow…confessing Jesus as Lord.”
3. Make your mind a sanctuary. Make your mind stop its commotion and noise! Listen tothe din of confused voices reminding you of duties, tasks and obligations. Then silencethem! Your mind is not a noisy playground. It is a sanctuary. Your mind is yours.Make it obey you.
4. Slow down! Remember “relax” is the word for “be still” in Hebrew. Consciously
loosen the tension of every muscle. It won't come naturally so work at learning to bequiet! 1 Thessalonians 4:11 “Study (force yourself) to be quiet.”
5. Set apart a significant amount of time to learn this slowing down process. Give
yourself time to slow down. You cannot stop a train on a dime. It takes time to slowdown to a stop. You cannot get still in 10 seconds and often it takes more than a 3-minute timer. 10 minutes is a good target, but it might not be long enough. Give Godsome room to work in you.
6. Fix your eyes on Jesus - behold the beauty of the Lord. Like the angels in heaven and
all creatures before the throne present yourself to God in stillness. Imagine yourselfprostrate at his feet before his throne.
7. Take a few deep breaths. At first take long slow deep breaths. Hold it a few seconds.
Let it out slowly. Control it! You'll be amazed at how it begins to quiet your body,which in turn affects thoughts too. Remember, if you cannot control your body, youcannot expect to control your spirit either. 1 Corinthians 9:27 "…I keep my bodyunder, and bring it into subjection..."
8. Refuse to go on to the next step until the body and mind have obeyed you. If they are
not subject to your will, neither will be the rest of your thoughts in prayer. If youcannot bring your own body and mind into subjection how will you wrestle withspiritual forces and win? Proverbs 24:10 "If you faint in the day of adversity, yourstrength is small."
And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea,Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. – Mark 4:39
Step 2 – WorshipStep 2 – Worship“The Father seeks such to worship him.”
“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Fatherin spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and theythat worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” – John 4:23-24
To worship God is to seek his face, that is, to see the Lord in his beauty by meditating onHim and extolling (proclaiming) his worth. Isaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up and wasforever changed (Is. 6:1-8). Jesus said that the Father is seeking worshippers who willworship him in spirit and in truth. God desires for us to seek after him in steadfast worshipbeholding his beauty.
• The fear (reverence and awe) of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holyis understanding. – Proverbs 9:10
• And the people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits. – Daniel 11:32• Delight yourself also in the Lord; and He shall give you the desires of your heart. – Psalm 37:4• One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. – Psalm 27:4• But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you
should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: – 1Peter 2:9
• But you are holy, O thou that inhabits the praises of Israel. – Psalms 22:3
Behold His BeautyThe worship part of intercession is to behold the beauty of the Lord. That means to take time tomuse, meditate, and focus on who God is in all His splendor and glory, until the truth of Hisgreatness fills us with awe, adoration, love. True worship is to quietly, deliberately look into thekaleidoscope of God's character, and then stand in awe of His matchless beauty. Remember thatIsaiah saw the Lord high and lifted up and was never the same. This was not a worship service inthe Temple or Synagogue. It was private worship, “on-your-face-before-a-living-God” worship. Itstirred the heart and cleansed the soul. David said his one overriding supreme desire was this. Onething have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORDall the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple. – Psalms27:4
In Spirit and In TruthJesus authenticated private worship experience when he clarified for the woman at the well inSamaria that worship had nothing to do with temples made with hands. (John 4:23-24) Solomontoo revealed that when at the dedication of the Great Temple in Jerusalem he confessed… “But willGod indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee;how much less this house that I have builded?” (I Kings 8:27 and Stephen quotes him in Acts7:48 “Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet.”)
Confined Worship
Too often we Christians make the mistake of confining our worship to the house of God. Worshipis personal adoration expressed directly to God himself. It has little to do with formal services, andmusic. It has everything to do with loving God with all one’s heart, mind, soul, strength andexpressing that love emotionally and verbally. Jesus said, “The Father seeks such to worship him.”“Worship in spirit” is not referring to the Holy Spirit, but to the spirit of man – his emotions, hissoul, his innermost being. Each day of our lives we as believers, the blood-bought redeemed ones,should seek to fervently worship God in our spirit.
Who Is He?
Would to God that we would learn the secret of His presence in learning to worship the Lord forwho he is, not just for all the things He has done. I am afraid for all of us too often our praise is notreal worship or adoration but fumbling attempts to “do praise” so that we can get on with the realbusiness interest of our prayer – the asking. True worship has nothing to do with getting. Trueworship is worship in truth, that is, worshipping God for who he truly is. Who is God? What is Helike? God has revealed himself in His word. Worship is reviewing who he is according to thatrevelation. To know the Lord is to hold him is highest “awe,” and to stand amazed in his presence.True worship melts the heart before the heat of God’s personal revelation. “No man can look onhim and live."
Worship is Action – Exalt the Lord!
Worship is not a quiet thing. It demands expression both verbally and physically. Angels andcherubim do it constantly before the throne. Worship is our invitation to join them.Read the book of Revelation of Jesus Christ and you will find physical and verbal declarations ofthe worth and holiness of God. People fell down and worshiped. You cannot truly worship and bequiet or still. To exalt the Lord requires your personal investment. It involves all of you. Peterexpresses the physical and dynamic declaration of God’s worth when he says, “But you are achosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should showforth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” – 1 Peter2:9 We are to SHOW FORTH his praises, not just say praises. The word “show forth” is oneword in Greek, “exaggello” which literally is “to message forth” or to make known by praising,proclaiming, or celebration. “Aggelos” is angel or “messenger of God” who heralds God’s glory.The Hebrew “Shofar,” or trumpet, introduced worship with a loud, long blast, so too, we are totrumpet God’s praises loudly, just as angels do before the throne. Psalm 66 verses 1-3 is worth ourfull attention as David instructs us in the art of worship. “Shout to God, Sing to God, Make hispraise glorious, Say to God.” Psalm 68:4 continues the instruction, “Sing to God, Sing praise toHis name, extol Him who rides on the clouds, rejoice before Him.”
To Know the Lord
Paul declared his goal in life was to “know the Lord in the power of his resurrection.” Danielsimilarly praises those who truly know the Lord as ones who will do exploits. (Daniel 11:32) Hewho knows God by showing forth his praises will do valiantly. He will be victorious.
Worship Verbs
1. Praise - (yadah) - to throw, shoot arrows, cast laud, praise2. Give Glory - (yahab) - make shine, to give glory, to bring splendor, to ascribe worth,3. Magnify - (gadal) - to cause to grow, to make great, powerful, to magnify4. Worship - (shachah) - to bow down, prostrate oneself, to crouch before superior in homage5. Exalt / Extol - (ruwm) - to raise, to heave high, to lift up lofty, to be exalted above6. Sing - (zamar) - to make music, to sing with voice, to play a musical instrument7. Ascribe - (nathan) - to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote8. Bless - (barak) - to kneel, to salute, to congratulate9. Declare - tell of - (caphar) - to count, recount, relate, to number, take account of, reckon10. Shout - (ranan) - to cry out, a loud shout of joy, a ringing cry (in joy, exultation, praise)11. Delight in - (anag) - to be happy about, take exquisite pleasure in, to make merry over12. Honor - (tiph'arah) - to glory, of rank, renown, as attribute of God, make beautiful13. Behold - (chazah) - (means to wash off one’s face) to see, to perceive, to look at14. Love - (racham) - have tender affection, deep love15. Clap - (taqa) - to give a blast, give a blow, to strike or applaud16. Lift up hands - (nasa') - to raise, raise up high, to bear, hold high17. Bow down - (kara) - curve over, sink down to one's knees,
Worship With Scripture
Use the Scriptures to prime the pump of praise by reminding yourself of God’s greatness.Psalm 111, 112, 113, 117, 134, 144, 145, 147, 148, 149, 150
Exalt His Holy Name(s)(There are over 600 descriptive names of God and Christ)
1. Jehovah-tsidkenu = The Lord our Righteousness2. Jehovah-shalom = The Lord our Peace3. Jehovah-shammah = The Lord our Who is There Ever Present4. Jehovah-m’kaddesh = The Lord our Sanctifier5. Jehovah-jireh = The Lord our Provider6. Jehovah-rohi = The Lord our Shepherd7. Jehovah-nissi = The Lord our Banner8. Jehovah-rophe = The Lord our Healer9. Jehovah-saboath = Lord of Hosts
Practical Worship Strategies
1. Read Scripture that exalts Who He is. (Prime the pump with Scripture)2. Sing songs to the Lord. (Sing out loud!)3. Exalt His Names. (Magnify his names)4. Remember His mighty works. (Think on, Meditate on)5. Tell of His excellent greatness. (Rehearse it to Him)6. Acknowledge His Sovereignty, Power, Wisdom, Control. (Lord you are…”)7. Physically express your worship and adoration. (Lift hands, lay prostrate, kneel)
Alpha and Omega Praise
Praise His name through the alphabet. Lift up and exalt God’s names beginning with Aand end with Z. (Alpha and Omega - 26 Praises) Do it together in the congregation.Attempt to give 3-5 on each letter. It is a wonderful experience, especially when peopleread their praise of Him from the Word. There are more than 600 names of God and theLord Jesus Christ in Scripture. To review and rejoice in his name is to truly know him andmake his splendor known. Believe me, you won’t run out of praises.
A = Ark, Alpha, Altogether lovely, Almighty God, Advocate, Author, Ancient of Days, AnchorB = Bread, Balm of Gilead, Bright Morning Star, Breath, Beauty, Beginning, Best gift, Branch, BrideC = Creator, Captain, Comforter, CounselorD = Door, Defender, Deliverer, DaystarE = Everlasting Father, Everything to me, Earnest of our inheritanceF = Faithful High Priest, Father, Friend of Sinners, Firstborn, Fairest of 10,000, First and LastG = God of All Comfort, Great God, Good Shepherd, Giver, Gift, Guide, Glory and Lifter of my headH = Healer, Helper, Health, Holy One, Heir of all, High Priest, Hope of the agesI = Immanuel, Invisible, Immortal, I AmJ = Judge, Jehovah-*, Jesus,K = King of Kings, King - *, KeeperL = Lover of my soul, Lord strong and mighty, Lord *, Lamb, Light Life, Lilly of ValleyM = Maker, Master, Marvelous One, Mighty God, MediatorN = Never-failing God, Name above all names, Nest, New and living wayO = Omnipotent, Omniscient, OmnipresentP = Protector, Provider, Physician, Prince of Peace, my Peace, Passover, Priest forever, PromiseQ = Quickening One, Quickening Spirit, Quietness and my confidenceR = Resurrection, Redeemer, Rock, Refuge, Righteous One, My RighteousnessS = Savior, Sanctifier, Sun, Shield, Shade, Shepherd, Sure, Shelter, SourceT = Teacher, Tower, Transformer, TruthU = Unmovable, Unspeakable Gift, Upholder of all things,V = Victor, Vine, VisionW = Water, Wonderful, Way, Wisdom, Worthy, Wing under which I trustX = Xcellent, Xaminer or my heart, Xray of truthY = Yeshua, Yesterday, Today, Forever,Z = Zeal of Lord,
Keeper, Shade Upon Right Hand, Shield, Defender, Refuge, Fortress, High Tower, Ancient of Days,Creator, Friend, Glory and Lifter of my head, King of Glory, Lord Strong and Mighty, Lord of Hosts,Very Present Help in Trouble, Well of Salvation, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,Prince of Peace, Altogether Lovely, Balm of Gilead, Branch, Lilly of the Valley, Chiefest Among TenThousand, Defense, Deliverer, Desire of all Nations, Despised by the People, Diadem of Beauty, Fountainof Life, Friend that Sticketh Closer than a Brother, Refiner, Guide Even Unto Death, Helper of theFatherless, Hiding Place, One Who Inhabits Eternity, Refiner's Fire, Refuge, Refuge in Times of Trouble,Refuge for the Oppressed, Refuge from the Storm, Reproach of Men, Resting Place, Reward for theRighteous, Righteous Branch, River of Water in a Dry Place, Rock that is Higher than I, Rock of MyRefuge, Rod, Rose of Sharon, Scepter of Israel, Star out of Jacob, My Stay, Stone which the BuildersRefused, Strength of My Life, Strong Tower from the Enemy, Sun of Righteousness, and many more.
Answer Three Questions Out Loud As You Worship:• Who Is He?• How Great Is He?• What Is His Wonderful Name?
Step 3 – Give ThanksStep 3 – Give Thanks“Enter his gates with thanksgiving.”
Thanksgiving naturally follows confession and forgiveness! We did not put it in third place rightnext to worship lest we be tempted to think that worship and thanksgiving are the same thing. Theyare not. Thanksgiving is a distinct act of the will. It recognizes the hand of God and is thankful. Itchooses to give God credit for what he has done, and what he has promised, while worship praisesGod for who He is.
In Everything Give ThanksThanks giving is to be as much a part of the believer’s life as breathing. We are exhorted to live inthankfulness to God, and to exalt him with continual expressions of thanks regardless of ourpresent circumstances. "In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesusconcerning you." (2 Thessalonians 5:18)
In prayer we are exhorted to give thanks profusely for the goodness of the Lord, for all his benefits,for his mercies, for his faithfulness, for his steadfast love, for loads of blessings. Psalm 100 is anexcellent guide for entering the presence of God. "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and into hiscourts with praise: Be thankful unto him, and bless His name." Unthankfulness and silence cursesGod’s name. It brings him shame.
IngratitudeIt was Israel's ingratitude of heart, the murmuring, the complaining, the grumbling, that brought onthe wrath of God. It was not that God had not blessed. He had over and over again! It is that mensoon forget the goodness of the Lord. We are quick to forget his answers to our prayers, Hismercies in our troubles, His healings when we are sick, His forgiveness when we fail, Hisprovisions in our need. Well did the psalmist groan in Psalm 107, "O Give thanks unto the Lord,for He is good...Oh, that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderfulworks to the children of men!"
The Psalms are filled with expressions of thanks to God on every side. Oh, may our lives, our lips,be continual psalms of thanksgiving! The apostle Paul commands the same principle in the NewTestament, regardless of the circumstances we are to be thankful and think on the good things theLord has done. "Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication, withthanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passes allunderstanding shall keep you hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Good Mental HealthGood mental health begins with a thankful attitude of heart. "A merry heart does good likemedicine...He that has a merry heart has a continual feast." (Proverbs 15:13 / 17:22) Depressionand discouragement are the inability to see the goodness of God around you. David frequentlyexpressed his depression, "I had fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of God in theland of the living." (Psalm 27:13) The eyes of faith see the goodness of God even in the midst ofadversity. God’s purposes, plans, and provisions are always good! Remember, He is working itout. Be thankful while He works it out. (Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11)
Forget Not All His BenefitsForgetfulness of God's multiplied blessings is sin. Forgeting or neglecting to give Him thanks is thesin of ingratitude - at least it is taking God for granted. D.L. Moody in commenting on Psalm 103said, "I can't remember all his benefits and blessings, but I dare not forget all of them either."Thanksgiving is remembering God's good gifts and giving Him the credit due his name. • Psalm 103:2-5 "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgives all
your iniquities; who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from destruction; whocrowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfies your mouth with goodthings; so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
• Psalm 68:19 "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits..."• James 1:17 "Every good gift and every perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights, with
whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
Thanksgiving Is a Sacrifice to GodHebrews 13:15 points out that thanksgiving is a sacrifice to God. A sacrifice of our lips, that is tobe offered up to God continually. Thanksgiving is not easy. It is tough to be thankful and expressthanks from the heart for everything. Wouldn't prayer be wonderfully transformed if we wouldoffer 10 sacrifices of thanksgiving for every request we make of God?
Practical DisciplinesPractical Disciplines
1. Thank God for His Creation, your own body (Psalm 139:14) 2. Thank God for His provisions. For everything you have. List each thing for which you are
thankful. 3. Thank God for people He has put into your life. Name them by name and what you are
thankful for. 4. Thank God for little things. Start with the smallest things you can think of for which you are
thankful. From there work toward the bigger things he has done. Never start with the big lestyou despise the small. Do not despise the day of small things. (Zech. 4:10)
5. Thank God for hard things. "In everything give thanks...for this is the will of God..." Thank
God for the trials and adversities that come to make us strong. They are what make us lean onHim. So thank Him!
6. Thank God for everything. Keep a notebook handy in which you write down your thanksgiving
list. It helps!
Use these Psalms to guide your thanksgiving. Pray the Psalms. Mark them as "Thanksgiving" inyour Bible: Psalm 103; 104; 105; 107; 111; 118; 124; 126; 136; 139
Step 4 – Confession of SinStep 4 – Confession of Sin“If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” 1 John 1:9
John, the beloved disciple, warns us against an attitude of innocence before a holy God.To say that we have nothing to confess to God is to call Him a liar, and to practice self-deception before our Maker. David says: "Behold I was shaped in iniquity, and in sin didmy mother conceive me." (Psalm 51:5) And Isaiah adds to his own unworthiness before aholy God when he says: "All of our righteousnesses (that is, our best efforts) are as filthyrags." (Isaiah 64:6) Most of us misread that passage and think that God means “all ofour unrighteousnesses.” But it is all our best effort at right living that are still as filthyrags. Even if we could keep all the law and stumble in only one small point we would beguilty of all.
Woe Is Me!Isaiah, a man filled with the Spirit, a prophet of God, a man above reproach, is a goodexample of this truth. In Isaiah 6 he first sees the Lord in all his beauty, high and lifted up,and glorified. The sight was so awesome that the just and righteous Isaiah fell on His facebefore God with an acute awareness of his own sinful nature. He was not exaggerating.He was not bemoaning the sinfulness of other people. He saw himself in the light of God’sholiness and cried "Woe is me I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips." (Isaiah6:1-5)
We are not just to come into God's presence presumptuously, but humbly (2 Chronicles7:14) contritely, with a sincere perspective on our own nature. We need a vision ofourselves, our true fallen nature, our minds which are unclean, and of which God knowsevery passing thought. (Psalm 139:1-5)
BankruptcyUntil we recognize our own state of bankruptcy before a holy God we cannot truly leanupon His Righteousness, without which no man will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14) Wewould instead come into his presence as the Pharisee, proud, bragging of his kept laws,righteous deeds, his right to gain the Father's favor. We need to see ourselves asdestitute, and totally depraved, without the righteousness of Christ. We have nothing ofwhich to boast. We, are as the rich church of Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-22. We need tosee ourselves as God sees us. “Lukewarm...wretched, and miserable, and poor, andblind, and naked.”
A.W. Tozer says:"We need to admit...the shallowness of our inner experience, the hollownessof our worship, the worldliness of our lives, our fleshly fallen nature thatlives on, yet unjudged within us, uncrucified and unrepudiated, and thehyphenated sins of the human spirit, self-righteousness, self-pity, self-confidence, self-sufficiency, self-admiration, self-love, self-indulgence, anda host of other self-sins. They are not something we do, they are somethingwe are..."
The Pursuit of God
REGARDING INIQUITY IN MY HEART
"If I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not hear me." Psalm 66:18
To regard iniquity means to leave it alone, to tolerate it, to know it is there and do nothing about it.It is to hide it, to cover it by excuses, to consider it unimportant, to ignore its dangers.
God considers any iniquity to be an abomination. An abomination is a horrible disgusting thing.There are no "good guy" iniquities, no little white lies, no insignificant rebellions of the heart! Godcalls rebellion in any form "as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness as idolatry." (1 Samuel15:23) God considers sin as sin and all equally appalling to His holiness. Sin in our heart is tothe Lord as festering sores, and maggots in his holy offerings – slimy, crawling, slithering,disgusting, maggots defiling the whole! (Isaiah 1:6)
Daniel was conscious of the subtle ways in which sin surrounds us and creeps into our thoughts,actions, and in-actions. In his exemplary prayer in Daniel 9 he identifies nine faces of sin.
WE HAVE ...
1. Sinned v 5 Missed the mark, fallen short2. Committed iniquity v 5 Deliberate conscious sin3. Done wickedly v 5 Life-style habitual sin4. Rebelled v 5/9 Said no to God!5. Not hearkened v 6 Closed our ears, ignored6. Not obeyed voice v 10 Grieved the Holy Spirit7. Transgressed law v 11 Legal term, to know law and disobey8. Departed from God v 11 Backslidden, wandered away9. Made not prayer v 13 Sin of prayerlessness
DEAL WITH SIN !Jesus emphasized the need to deal with sin each time he spoke of prayer. In the Lord's prayer hedeals heavily with the need to deal severely with sin. That is, in fact, the primary lesson of theLord's Prayer. Immediately after citing it he pointed out the need to forgive as well as ask forforgiveness. In Matthew 5:23-26 Jesus further deals with sin in prayer by saying that when wecome to God's altar with an offering we must first do something about broken relationships beforewe pray and offer praise!!! An attempt at reconciliation must be made before our prayers will beheard. I Peter 3:7 includes the marital relationship as being a hindering factor in prayer.
CONFESSION OF SINA man that truly enters into the presence of God cannot but help to see himself as unclean. Eventhe Scripture admits that "all of our good deeds are as filthy rags." So was the feeling of Isaiahbefore the throne in Isaiah 6, and of Daniel in chapter 9. The holiness of God cannot tolerate thepresence of sin! We are exhorted to confess our sins to God (I John 1:8-9), and even admit ourfaults one to another (James 5:16) so as to pray effectively and fervently and be healed.
WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR SIN
Conviction is seeing sin as exceedingly sinful.Repentance is "Agreeing with God about my sin," and turning from it.Confession is exposing it to God & asking Him to forgive and cleanse.
We cannot do penance for our sins, it would do no good. We cannot pay the penalty of our sins.The penalty or "wage of sin is death." Therefore God has provided a better way. We lay our sinson Jesus.
Isaiah 53 is a magnificent passage that describes the atonement of Jesus Christ for sins. Jesus paidit all on the cross. That is why he could say, "It is finished." Verse five says, "He was woundedfor our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was uponhim, and with his stripes we are healed." Verse six goes on, "All we like sheep have gone astray,we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquities of us all."Verse twelve goes even further, "He was numbered with the transgressors; and he bore the sin ofmany, and made intercession for the transgressors."
There is nothing more for me to do but lay my sins on Jesus. That is why the thief on the crosscould be saved. He could not do penance. He could not make restitution for what he had done. Hecould not even prove his sincerity. He simply laid his sin on Jesus and said, "Have mercy on me."That is what Jesus came to do. "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."
Lay your sins on Jesus - he is your sin-bearer. Then rejoice in what God says he has done withyour sins. Confession is not commiserating or grieving over your fallen nature, your secretthoughts, or your sins of commission or omission, but asking and receiving forgiveness and thecovering of the blood of Jesus. Do not leave the altar of confession without appropriating theprovisions of the cross!. Be forgiven and give thanks.
what happens to confessed sins?
1. They were paid in full - Romans 5:11 / Isaiah 53:62. They were forgiven/pardoned – 1 John 1:93. They were laid on him – Isaiah 53:64. They were washed whiter than snow – Isaiah 1:185. They were covered – Psalm 32:16. They were cleansed by blood of Jesus – Hebrews 9:22/ 10:47. They were blotted out – Isaiah 44:228. They were removed as far as east from west – Psalm 103:129. They were cast in depths of sea – Micah 7:1910. They were forever forgotten – Jeremiah 31:34
Read Psalm 51 and Psalm 139 as part of your confession of sin.
Song: It is Well.My sin, O the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part but the whole,Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul.
Step 5 – Clothe Yourself In His ArmorStep 5 – Clothe Yourself In His Armor
What is the first thing you do after taking a bath? Get dressed! I am so glad provision hasbeen made for our nakedness! God commands us to “Put on”, as elect of God. We arecommanded to “put on the Lord Jesus,” “Put on the new man,” and to “Put on thewhole armor of God.” So put it on! That means dress in it. Reckon it to be so before thethrone. Stand in Him complete.
Abraham believed God and it was “imputed” to him as righteousness. That word imputedmeans it was credited to his account. Though he was bankrupt himself, God applied it tohis account because of his faith. Believe God and apply His provision for your nakedness.
The Old Testament book of Zechariah, chapter three contains a wonderful example of theneed to put on, or to reckon ourselves clothed in the righteousness of God, and in thearmor of the Lord. Joshua, the high priest, was standing before the Lord and Satan was athis right hand accusing him before the throne of God. Everything Satan brought againsthim was true except for one thing - God said, “I forgave him. I clothed him. Leave himalone!” Therefore God commanded the angel of the Lord to take off Joshua’s dirtytattered garments and give him a robe of pure white, a turban on his head, and a scepter inhis hand. Then God looks at him and says, “Is not this the brand plucked out of the fire?”
There Are Two Parts to Reckoning:
1. Principle of Position - seeing yourself in heavenly places as God sees you.2. Principle of Practice - exercising authority in Christ in heavenly places
Principle of PositionThere is a “Principle of Position” that we all need to learn. It is the principle that thoughwe all fall far short of the glory of God, God himself has made provision for us. Hisprovision is that we can put on Christ. We wear his righteousness, his white robe, hiscrown, his authority. As God sees us in heaven he sees us through his perfect sacrifice,Jesus Christ his Son. We are brands plucked out of the fire. Reckon it to be so! Seeyourself as God sees you… “and you are complete in him.”(Colossians 2:10)
“To Reckon” is to appropriate God’s invisible truth as our visible reality.“To Believe” is to see the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Faith applies to our hearts the heavenly realities that God already sees.
• Put on the Lord Jesus Christ• Put on His Righteousness• Put on the Whole Armor of God
Principle of Practice – Using Your Authority
How do we exercise our God-given authority in Christ? How do we address the devil inour prayers? (We certainly don’t pray to him.)
WeaponsGod has clearly given us “Weapons of our Warfare” for the pulling down of strongholds.Our weapons (the word literally is “strategies”) are mighty through God to the pullingdown of strongholds, casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itselfabove the knowledge of God, and brings every thought into captivity to the obedience ofChrist.” (2 Corinthians 10:4-6)
WordsThe sword of the Spirit, is the Word of God. God’s word is that which we use as ouroffense. It cuts, penetrates, convicts, declares, exposes, and casts out the enemies of God.Jesus said, “All authority is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” That is why whateverwe bind on earth will be bound in heaven. (Matt. 16:19, 18:18) That authority is in hisword, his ultimate authoritative command. We simply wield the sword. Just point it in theright direction.
Prayers“Be strong” or be bold, boldfaced, courageous, aggressive, un-intimidated - Eph 6:10“A hand upon the throne” - Exodus 17:16“A hedge of protection” - Ezekiel 22:30“Boldly to the throne of grace” - Hebrews 4:16
SPIRITUAL WARFARE
1. PUT ON THE ARMOR OF GOD Ephesians 6:11-182. BE STRONG IN THE LORD! Ephesians 6:103. BIND THE ENEMY Matthew 18:18-204. RESIST THE DEVIL James 4:75. CLAIM THE BLOOD Revelation 12:116. LOOSE THE CAPTIVES Luke 4:187. PULL DOWN STRONGHOLDS II Corinthians. 10:3-58. PUT A HEDGE OF PROTECTION Ezekiel 22:309. COMMAND HIM TO LEAVE Matthew 10:110. REBUKE HIM IN JESUS Matthew 17:18
It is only when we stand in our own righteousness that we should be afraid to stand beforethe enemy, for our righteousnesses are as "filthy rags" but the righteousness of Christ iscalled the armor of God.
Who I am in ChristBiblical Truths to “Practice Believing”
I AM GOD’S…• possession• child• workmanship• friend• temple• vessel• co-laborer• witness• soldier• ambassador• building• instrument• chosen• beloved• precious jewel
I HAVE BEEN…• redeemed by the blood• set free from sin and condemnation• set free from Satan’s control• set free from Satan’s kingdom• chosen before the foundation of the world• predestined to be like Jesus• forgiven of all my trespasses• cleansed by the blood of the Lamb• given a sound mind• given the Holy Spirit• adopted into God’s family• justified freely by his grace• given all things pertaining to life and
godliness• given great and precious promises• authority over all the power of the enemy• access to God• been given wisdom
I AM…• complete in him• free forever from sin’s power• sanctified and meet for the Master’s use• loved eternally• eternally kept in the palm of his hand• kept by the power of God• not condemned• one with the Lord• on my way to heaven• alive, quickened by his mighty power• seated with Christ in heavenly places• the head and not the tail• light in the darkness• candle in a dark place• city set on a hill
• salt of the earth• his sheep• a citizen of heaven• hidden with Christ in God• protected from the evil one• kept by the power of God• secure in Christ• set on a Rock• more-than-a-conqueror• born again• a victor• healed by his strips• covered by the blood of Jesus• sheltered under his wing• hidden in the secret place of the Almighty
I HAVE…• access to the Father• a home in heaven waiting for me• all things in Christ• a living hope• an anchor to my soul• a hope that is steadfast and unmoveable• authority to tread on serpents• power to witness• the tongue of the learned• the mind of Christ• boldness and access• peace with God• faith as a grain of mustardseed
I CAN…• do all things through Christ who
strengthens me• find mercy and grace to help in needs• come boldly to the throne of grace• quench all the firey darts of the wicked one• tread on the serpent• defeat the enemy• declare God’s truth• pray always and everywhere• chase a thousand
I CANNOT…• be separated from God’s love• be lost• be removed from His grasp• taken out of the Father’s hand
Step 6 – Cast Your BurdensStep 6 – Cast Your Burdens
Ps. 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord...He shall sustain you.Phil. 4:6 In everything...let your requests be made known unto God.I Pet.5:7 Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.Job 1:5 Job rose up early in the morning and offered burnt offerings for all of them.
Unpacked BaggageWe cannot properly intercede for others until we have cleared away the baggage ofpersonal concerns, needs, and cares. We must find a resting place where we can laydown our burdens, in order to bear other’s burdens in prayer. Hearts that are"overloaded" with care will be distracted in prayer and made ineffective in theirintercession.
In Luke 21:34, Jesus warned his disciples to beware of the danger of three distractingpitfalls:
1. Over-abundance (surfeiting, over-spending, over-charging, too many possessions)2. Over-indulgence (drunkenness, lover of pleasures, over-eating, over-playing)3. Over-load (cares, burdens, worries, fears of this life)
Take Your Burden To The LordThe most deceptive and innocent looking is the "overload...with cares of this life." Wecannot escape the cares of normal living, but we can UNLOAD the OVERLOAD. Jesusconcludes the issue in verse 36 by saying, "Therefore watch and pray always..."
Leave It There!The solution to overloaded cares is to pray. That means to bring those excess burdens,cares, concerns, problems, worries, fears, anxieties, and troubles TO THE LORD andleave them there! Too often we take these concerns to the Lord, and walk away just asburdened as before we prayed. There is no "leaving it there."
Cast, Roll, Dump It!David used an interesting word for "leaving it there." "Cast thy burden on the Lord."Psalm 55:22 The word "CAST" is the key. It literally means... ROLL... DUMP...UNLOAD... as one who is carrying a backpack of heavy equipment allows it to slide fromhis shoulders to another who is stronger, more able to carry the load.
You cannot carry your own burdens and the burdens of others!
Burdens are lifted as we roll them onto the Lord
Practical DisciplinesPractical Disciplines
Pray for yourself:• Your troubles• Your aches & pains• Your faith & faithfulness• Your courage to witness• Your heart’s secret goals• Your needs, provisions• Your finances, funds• Your enemies
Pray for your Future• Your plans• Your goals• Your ministries• Your vision
Pray for your family• Each member by name and need• Salvation of children• Spouse needs• Spiritual growth & love of all in family• Health and safety• Protection from evil & temptation
Pray for your faults• Your struggles• Your worries• Your temptations• Your wants & wishes• Your heartaches• Your failures
SONGS:
Burdens Are Lifted At Calvary / Jesus Knows Just What I Need / No One UnderstandsLike Jesus / What a Friend We Have in Jesus / Take Your Burden to the Lord and LeaveIt There / I Cast All My Cares Upon You.
Cast your burden on the Lord...He shall sustain you. – Ps. 55:22Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. – I Pet.5:7
Learning The Disciplineof Prayer
A Prayer Strategy
A Workbook12 Biblical Steps of Intercession
by Rev. Richard W. LaFountain
Step 1 – BE STILLStep 1 – BE STILL
On no other step is it more important to begin and continue to use the 3-minute timer. It isthe only way I know of to make myself be still before the throne.
The secret is in the discipline of laying aside everything else until your heart,mind and spirit are quiet before God. God says, “Be still!” The choice toobey him or not is up to you. Obedience begins here.
Let go of “stuff”Put off your hurry, your lists of things to do, or your anxiety over tomorrow.It is not time for those things. Put them off. Write them down if you must, butput them away. It is time to seek the Lord!
Present yourselfOnce you have laid those things aside then you can surrender your emptyhands and prepared mind for his use in prayer. Surrender yourself as a livingsacrifice to God, holy and acceptable. Lay down on the floor if it helps you tosurrender completely to him.
Wait …Now be still. Just wait. Listen for the sand falling in the hour glass. Can’thear it can you? Shhh! Be still. Don’t speak. Don’t think words. Silence!Listen for the heartbeat of God.
Recognize at the start that until you have trained yourself in the discipline of stillness thiswill not be possible in three minutes. It is more likely to take 15 minutes for the first fewweeks. For me as a hyperactive Type A personality, it took about 30 minutes per dayduring the first weeks. It is not a race. Don’t hurry in or out of the presence of God.
Remember God is waiting for you. God is more interested in this discipline than all theothers combined. He wants time with you. This is the most important step. Learn it well.Learn it best. You’ll grow to love this time of stillness so much that you will long for it.
Rest in the Lord. Don’t go on to the next step until your heart is no longer hurried, youmind is quiet, and your will to do is broken, and you are basking in the sunshine of God’spresence. From there you will move naturally into the second step - worship.
Practical DisciplinesPractical Disciplines 1. Make your mind a sanctuary. Make your mind stop its commotion and noise! Listen to
the din of confused voices reminding you of duties, tasks and obligations. Then silencethem! Your mind is not a noisy playground, it’s a sanctuary. Make it obey you.
2. Slow down! Remember “relax” is the word for “be still” in Hebrew. Consciouslyloosen the tension of every muscle. It won't come naturally so work at learning to bequiet! 1 Thessalonians 4:11 “Study (force yourself) to be quiet.”
3. Fix your eyes on Jesus - behold the beauty of the Lord. Like the angels in heaven andall creatures before the throne present yourself to God in stillness. Imagine yourselfprostrate at his feet before his throne.
4. Take a few deep breaths. At first take long slow deep breaths. Hold it a few seconds.Let it out slowly. Control it! You'll be amazed at how it begins to quiet your body,which in turn affects thoughts too.
Step 2 – WorshipStep 2 – Worship
Alpha and Omega Praise
Praise His name through the alphabet. Lift up and exalt God’s names beginning with Aand end with Z. (Alpha and Omega - 26 Praises) Do it together in the congregation.Attempt to give 3-5 on each letter. There are more than 600 names of God and the LordJesus Christ is Scripture.
A = _____________________________________________________________________________B = _____________________________________________________________________________C = _____________________________________________________________________________D = _____________________________________________________________________________E = _____________________________________________________________________________F = _____________________________________________________________________________G = _____________________________________________________________________________H = _____________________________________________________________________________I = _____________________________________________________________________________J = _____________________________________________________________________________K = _____________________________________________________________________________L = _____________________________________________________________________________M = _____________________________________________________________________________N = _____________________________________________________________________________O = _____________________________________________________________________________P = _____________________________________________________________________________Q = _____________________________________________________________________________R = _____________________________________________________________________________S = _____________________________________________________________________________T = _____________________________________________________________________________U = _____________________________________________________________________________V = _____________________________________________________________________________W = _____________________________________________________________________________X = _____________________________________________________________________________Y = _____________________________________________________________________________Z = _____________________________________________________________________________
Group Exercise (10 minutes max)
Simply writing down God’s names may or may not be worship. Worship is exalting HisNames together. So let’s do it. In groups of 3 begin to worship the Lord by telling him ofhis excellent greatness. Exalt his name together.
DisciplineDo not allow yourself to drift into confession, or thanksgiving or petition. This is a timesolely to “behold His beauty.”
Step 3 – Give ThanksStep 3 – Give Thanks“Enter his gates with thanksgiving.”
Thankful Exercises
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise. Be thankful unto him andbless his holy name. (Psalm 100) Now it is time to celebrate His specific acts, mercies,faithfulness, kindness, benefits, blessings, answers to prayer, and goodness.
General Thanks for allHis creation andblessings.
Psalm 139 is an excellent meditation to prime your thanksgiving pump.
Specific Thanks forblessings and benefitsto you.
Psalm 103 is a good starting place.
Tearful Thanks for allthings - the bad, theugly, the unwanted.
Make a list of all the bad things you have been bemoaning. List them toGod. Ask him to help you believe that he is using that for His glory andyour good. Believe him! Read Romans 8:28 and put your heartache intothe passage. Turn “all things” into, for example “My financial loss God isworking together for good. Believe Jeremiah 29:11 Tell God you believe it!Rejoice in it! It is true!
Thank God for Past, Present, Future
Past Answered Prayers and Blessings
1. ________________________________2. ________________________________3. ________________________________4. ________________________________5. ________________________________
Present Circumstances & Blessings
1. ________________________________2. ________________________________3. ________________________________4. ________________________________5. ________________________________
Bad Things That Have Happened
1. ________________________________2. ________________________________3. ________________________________4. ________________________________5. ________________________________
Promises of What Will Happen
1. ________________________________2. ________________________________3. ________________________________4. ________________________________5. ________________________________
Faith is seeing what is not yet visible to the rest,but what God has already promised.
Step 4 – Confession of SinStep 4 – Confession of Sin“If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” 1 John 1:9
CONFESSION CHECKLIST(Check up on your own secret sins)
1. Selfish desires ____ James 4:32. Secret sins ____ Psalm 66:183. Idle words ____ Matthew 12:364. Lustful fantasies ____ Matthew 5:285. Marriage conflicts ____ I Peter 3:7b6. Ingratitude ____ Philippians 4:4-87. Unforgiving Attitudes ____ Mark 11:25-268. Unresolved conflicts ____ Matthew 5:239. Doubt ____ Hebrews 11:6a10. Prayerlessness ____ Hebrews 11:6b / Jeremiah 2:3211. Indecision & doubt ____ James 1:612. Bitterness ____ Hebrews 12:1513. Rebellion of heart ____ I Samuel 15:2314. Known disobedience ____ James 4:1715. Temper ____ Ephesians 4:26-2716. Anger ____ Ephesians 4:26, 3117. Impatience with others ____ Ephesians 4:3218. Murmuring/complaining ____ 1 Corinthians 10:1019. Lying/saying half-truths ____ Colossians 3:920. Strife in your heart ____ James 3:14
There are sins that "easily beset us" that serve only to weigh us down and cause us shame andhinder our fellowship with God. (Hebrews 12:1) Each of us has our own set of reoccurring sins.Confession is laying it out before the Lord... for "all things are naked and opened unto the eyes ofhim with whom we have to do." (Hebrews 4:13)
MY BESETTING SINS(Lord, these are areas I need cleansing and forgiveness!)
1. _______________________________ 2. _______________________________ 3. _______________________________ 4. _______________________________ 5. _______________________________
6. _______________________________ 7. _______________________________ 8. _______________________________ 9. _______________________________ 10. _______________________________
Step 5 – Clothe In His ArmorStep 5 – Clothe In His ArmorBelieve God For Your Position In Christ
I Am…1. _______________________________2. _______________________________3. _______________________________4. _______________________________5. _______________________________
I Can…1. _______________________________2. _______________________________3. _______________________________4. _______________________________5. _______________________________
I Cannot…1. _______________________________2. _______________________________3. _______________________________4. _______________________________5. _______________________________
I Have Been …1. _______________________________2. _______________________________3. _______________________________4. _______________________________5. _______________________________
I Have…1. _______________________________2. _______________________________3. _______________________________4. _______________________________5. _______________________________
My Sins Have Been…1. _______________________________2. _______________________________3. _______________________________4. _______________________________5. _______________________________
SPIRITUAL WARFARE CHECKLIST (DO IT ! Check when you have done it)
1. PUT ON THE ARMOR OF GOD ____ Eph. 6:11-182. BE STRONG IN THE LORD! ____ Eph. 6:103. BIND THE ENEMY ____ Matt. 18:18-204. RESIST THE DEVIL ____ James 4:75. CLAIM THE BLOOD ____ Rev. 12:116. LOOSE THE CAPTIVES ____ Luke 4:187. PULL DOWN STRONGHOLDS ____ II Cor. 10:3-58. PUT A HEDGE OF PROTECTION ____ Ezekiel 22:309. COMMAND HIM TO LEAVE ____ Matt. 10:110. REBUKE HIM IN JESUS ____ Matt. 17:18
IDENTIFY THE ENEMY'S STRONGHOLDS (Obstacles, hindrances, sicknesses, oppression,fears, torments, etc.)1. ________________________________________2. ________________________________________3. ________________________________________4. ________________________________________5. ________________________________________
Step 5 – Clothe Yourself In His ArmorStep 5 – Clothe Yourself In His Armor
OK, now it is time to dump your load. What is on your mind and heart? It is not about a prayerlist but about your inner longings, your hurts, your pain, your worries, your fears, your anxieties,your family, your finances, your fun, your foolishness, your failures, etc.
Tell God all about it. Unload and leave it here at the foot of the cross. He cares about yourworries, your fears, your troubles, your sicknesses, your temptations, your finances, your family,your children, your spouse, your marriage, your job, your tests, your trials, and your needs. Thereis nothing that you care about that God doesn’t care about.
FamilyFrustrations
Begin with your spouse and your relationship. Are theirfrustrations? Is there anything that needs to change?Place each family member before the Lord. Name them byname. Tell God about their lives, needs, spiritual condition.Surrender each on to Him.
Fears, Finances
Tell God about your fears, worries, or anxieties.
Tell God about your financial concerns, goals, aspirations.
Faults, Failures
Tell God about you. This is not confession, we have alreadydone that.
It is time to be naked and honest before the throne.
Exercise (10 minutes max)
Confession is already past but “to one another” is not. It is also time to “bear one another’sburdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” No one can help you to bear a burden if they do notknow what it is. Share your key burdens, worries and fears with your prayer partners as you areable.
DisciplineThere will be no time after this point in your intercession to go back to self petitions. This is thetime to lay them fully before God so as to NOT take them up again.
Dumping on God is one thing. It is quite another to dump in faith knowing that you are doing it athis invitation because “HE CARES FOR YOU.” So thank him for hearing, being touched withthe feeling of your infirmities.”
Promises To Use In PrayerPRAYERIsaiah 65:24 ...before they call I will answer...Psalm 37:4 ...delight in the Lord, he gives desires of your heart...Psalm 37:5 ...commit your way to Lord, he will bring it to pass...Jeremiah 33:3 ...call on me and I will show you great and mighty thingsJeremiah 32:17-18 ...you have made heaven...nothing is too hard for you...Matthew 18:19 ...if any 2 agree...touch...ask, it will be done...
PEACEIsaiah 26:3 ...keep you in perfect peace...Isaiah 32:17 ...work of righteousness will be peace...Jeremiah 29:11 ...the thoughts I think toward you are peace, not evil...Psalm 37:37 ...the end of the upright man is peace...
PROTECTIONPsalm 91:3 ...he shall deliver from snare, pestilence, terror, arrow...Isaiah 54:17 ...no weapon formed against you will prosper...Isaiah 43:2 ...when pass through water it will not overflow you...Jeremiah 15:20 ...I will make you a steel wall, they will not prevail..Psalm 5:11-12 ...those who trust you, shout for joy, you defend them...
SUPPLYPsalm 34:10 ...lions do hunger…but you shall not lack any good thing...Psalm 37:25 ...I have not seen the righteous forsaken or begging...Philippians 4:19 ...my God shall supply all your need...II Corinthians 9:8 ...God is able to make all grace abound to you...
SUCCESSJoshua 1:8 ...then you shall make way prosperous, and have successPsalm 1:3 ...whatsoever he does it shall prosper...Romans 8:28 ...all things work together for good to him...
STRENGTHIsaiah 40:29 ...He gives power to the faint...Isaiah 40:31 ...they that wait on the Lord renew their strength...Isaiah 41:10 ...fear not for I am with you...I will help youIsaiah 41:13 ...the Lord will hold your right hand...II Corinthians 12:9 ...my grace is sufficient for you...
DELIVERANCEPsalm 34:17,19 ...the righteous cry and the Lord hears and delivers from troublePsalm 34:7,8 ...angel encamps around those who fear Him...Isaiah 59:19 ...when enemy comes like flood...Lord will stand against him
DIRECTION & LEADINGProverbs 3:6 ...In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths...Isaiah 30:21 ...you will hear a word behind you saying, 'this is the way, walk in it'Proverbs 16:3,9 ...commit your way to the Lord ...and your thoughts will be established...Psalm 37:23 ...good man’s steps are ordered by the LordIsaiah 58:11 ...the Lord will guide you continually...Psalm 32:8 ...I will instruct & teach you the way to go...
FEARSII Timothy 1:7 ...God gave not the spirit of fear, but of sound mind..Isaiah 41:10 ...fear not for I am with you, I will help you..Isaiah 41:13 ...fear not I will help you...
Psalm 34:4 ...I sought...He delivered me from all my fears...
SOULSPsalm 2:8 ...ask of me and I will give heathen for your inheritance...Psalm 126:6 ...he who sows and weeps...shall bring sheaves with him...II Peter 3:9 ...Lord is not slack...not willing any should perish...
YOUR CHILDRENIsaiah 54:11-13 ...all your children will be taught of the Lord...Psalm 127:3 ...children are a heritage of the Lord...your reward...Isaiah 59:21 ...my words will not depart out of your seed's mouth...Isaiah 44:3 ...I will pur out my Spirit on your seed and offspring...Proverbs 22:6 ...train up a child...when old...he will not depart from it..
WISDOMIsaiah 50:4 ...Lord gives me tongue of the learned to know how to speak..Psalm 19:7 ...The law...is perfect...making wise the simple...Proverbs 1:7 ...Fear of the Lord is beginning of knowledge...James 1:5 ...lack wisdom? Ask of God that gives liberally to all men...
FORGIVENESSPsalm 86:5 ...thou Lord art good...ready to forgive...I John 1:9 ...If we confess our sins, He is faithful...to forgive...all..Isaiah 1:18 ...though your sins be as scarlet they shall be white as snowIsaiah 43:25 ...I am He that blots out transgressions...
ABILITY ABOVE IMPOSSIBILTYJeremiah 32:17,27 … Ah Lord God… there is nothing too hard for you…Philippians 1:6 ...he that began a good work in you will perform it 'til.Acts 20:32 ...the word of His grace… is able to build you up...Ephesians 3:20 ...able to exceedingly abundantly...by power in us...Jude 24 ...able to keep you...present you faultless...
HEALINGExodus 15:26 ...I am the Lord that healeth theePsalm 103:3-4 ...who forgiveth all...healeth all thy diseases...James 5:15 ...the prayer of faith shall save the sick...Matthew 8:17 ...He took our infirmities and carried our diseases...
SLEEPProverbs 3:24 ...you shall lie down and your sleep will be sweet...Psalm 4:8 ...I will...sleep for you make me dwell in safety..Psalm 127:2 ...for so he gives his beloved sleep...
WORD OF GODIsaiah 55:11 ...shall not return void...shall accomplish and prosper...Jeremiah 23:29 ...Is not my word like a fire...like a hammerActs 20:32 ...which is able to build you up and give you inheritanceHebrews 4:12 ...is quick, powerful, sharp, piercing, dividing, discerning..2 Timothy 2:9 ...word of God is not bound...2 Timothy 3:16 ...is profitable for doctrine, reproof, instruction...
Learning The Disciplineof Prayer
A Prayer Strategy
Active PrayingActive Praying
God never intended for fellowship with Him to be boring. But we, by our traditionsand our disobedience to the commands of Scripture, have made it one of the most
disdained activities of the church. Prayer meetings are boring because we havemade them boring. God didn’t intend for it to be that way. Read on and learn!
Prayer PositionsPrayer Positions
Why is it important or even necessary to study positions of prayer? The Apostle Paul expressed itwell in Hebrews saying that he had much to teach them but found that they were stunted in theirspiritual walk because of a lack of exercise in the things they had already been taught.
"For every one that uses milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. Butstrong meat belongs to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have theirsenses exercised to discern both good and evil." (Hebrews 5:13-14)
There are many things we have never learned, never experienced, never exercised, or put intopractice in our lives. There are many positions of prayer we have never practiced yet. Like theHebrew Christians we have stunted our Christian experience through stagnation of one position.God's Word encourages us to be active in prayer varying our positions and our actions to keepprayer vibrant and fresh.
The following are some of the Biblical positions and actions of prayer referred to and commandedin the Bible. See how many you have or have not yet practiced in your prayer life. Then begin tovary your prayer experience by trying each of these.
1. Eyes open - John 11:41 / John 17:12. Tears shed - I Samuel 7-10/ Psalm 126:5-63. Shout/applaud/cheer - Ezra 3:11-14/ Ps 47:14. Sing - Psalm 100:4/ Ephesians 5:195. Loud voice - Acts 7:606. Unison - (Homo-thumadon) rush together making same noise - Acts 4:247. Speak to obstacle - Joshua 10:12 "Sun stand still"/ Mat. 21:218. Speak with no sound - I Samuel 1:7-109. Say "Amen" to others prayers - I Cor. 14:1610. Fast - 2 Samuel 12:16/ Isaiah 58:6
11. Stand up - Nehemiah 9:3-512. Kneel - Eph. 3:14/ Philip.2:9-1113. Lay down on bed - 2 Kings 20:214. Lay face on ground - 2 Chronicles 7:315. Walk (pace) - 2 Kings 4:33-3516. Squat/bow down 2 Kings 18:42/ Ps. 95:617. Dance - 2 Samuel 6:14-1618. Walk away, be restored - Mat. 5:23-2419. Sackcloth & Ashes - 2 Kings 19:120. Sit - Mt. 26:36 / Mark 14:32,37-38
21. Bow head - Isaiah 58:522. Raise hands in praise - Psalm 134:2/ 143:623. Raise hands in authority - Exodus 17 8-15/Heb.12:11-1224. Touch together the thing - Mat. 18:19 (sumphoneo)25. Lift hand in blessing - Luke 24:5026. Lay hands on (for commissioning) - Hebrews 6:2/ 1 Tim. 4:1427. Anoint - Mark 6:13/ James 5:13-1528. Spread it before the Lord - 2 Kings 19:14-15
Places of PrayerPlaces of Prayer"He that dwells in the secret place of the most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. " (Psalm 91:1)
Places of prayer are important to God. The word "trysting place" is unfamiliar to most of us but a"tryst" means a secret lover’s rendezvous. God challenges his people to meet him in the trystingplace. In Psalm 91:1 He extends a promise:
Men of the Bible like Moses, Daniel and Jesus himself had special prayer retreats where they metalone with God. Jesus tells us to pray to the Father in "secret", and to enter into our "closet" ofprayer.
"But you, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to yourFather which is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret shall reward you openly."(Matthew 6:6)
The closet is the Secret Place of the Most High where you retreat often to seek the Lord as yourrefuge and strength. We need to grow in prayer by learning to get away alone with God.
OUTDOOR PLACES
Mountain top - Luke 9:28-29Wilderness - Mark 1:35Desert place - Mark 1:35Riverside - Acts 16:13Bedroom - Daniel 6:10Garden - Mat 26:39-42Hillside - Mat 14:23On camping trip - Gen 32:24-30Under a tree - 1 Kings 19:5Beside a brook - 1 Kings 17:3-5In a chariot - Acts 8:36-37Up a tree - Luke 19:3On the street - Acts 3:1-6Street corners - Mt 6:5Apart about a stone cast - Luke 22:41By a brook - 1 Kings 17:3-5On a walk - Neh 2:12 / Luke 24:32In a cave - 1 Kings 19:9
PLACES OF TROUBLE
In a fiery furnace - Dan 3:25On a boat - Jonah 1:6,14Tossed at sea - Mark 4:8Lion’s den - Daniel 6:22Bottom of a well - Jer 38:6In a dungeon - Acts 16:24-25Island of Patmos - Rev 1:1-2Hanging on a cross - Luke 23:42While being stoned - Acts 7:59-60From belly of whale - Jonah 2:1
INDOOR PLACES
*Roof top - Acts 10:9*In a home - Acts 12:12-13*Upper room - Acts 1:13-14*In synagogues - Mt 6:5*In a closet - Mt 6:6*At the table - Acts 27:35
Biblical Actions In PrayerBiblical Actions In Prayer
Often in our praying we often adopt certain ways and stick to that pattern the rest of our lives.In studying the Word of God we find that prayer was not the passive event that we sooften experience. The prayers and the pray-ers of the Bible were active in prayer.
A wonderful way to rejuvenate your Prayer Life is to begin exercising yourself in prayeras God intended. Take the Word seriously, not just the commands but the examples aswell. Here are a few activities to practice as you pray.
• Lay the thing before God• Write your prayer• Cry out loud• Move lips but no voice• Kneel, bow down• Lift up hands• Stand in His presence• Lay prostrate before Him• Lay hands on someone needy• Touch things you mention to God• Agree together with another
• Walk around• Look up to heaven• Talk out loud to God (not to others)• Sing to the Lord• Raise a rod of authority• Put on a praise garment• Anoint with oil• Grab onto a promise (remind God)• Lay down on back• Curl up in fetal position on knees
HINTS FOR BETTER PRAYING
1. Don't be in a hurry - Waiting on God is just that, "waiting."2. Drink deeply from the well of salvation - Read from a devotional guide.3. Minister to the Lord - Sing a song to the Lord4. Let God talk to you - Read the Word quietly5. Wait on the Lord - Just be quiet.6. Behold the Lord - Worship and praise the Lord7. Believe God's promises - Arm yourself with God's might8. Surrender yourself to Him - Give the Lord verbally all your body, hands, eyes, feet, lips, ears,9. Order your thoughts - Make your requests to God in an orderly way, topic by topic. Limit the
time you spend on one topic. Refuse to be scatter-brained.10. Be thank-filled - Cultivate a thankful mind. Literally give God thanks for every thing.
Music In PrayerMusic In Prayer
1. Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob! 2. Begin the music, strike the tambourine,play the melodious harp and lyre. 3. Sound the ram's horn at the New Moon, and when the moon is full, on theday of our Feast; 4. this is a decree for Israel, an ordinance of the God of Jacob. 5. He established it as a statutefor Joseph when he went out against Egypt, where we heard a language we did not understand. 6. He says, "Iremoved the burden from their shoulders; their hands were set free from the basket. 7. In your distress you calledand I rescued you, I answered you out of a thundercloud; I tested you at the waters of Meribah. (Psalm 81)
We usually do not equate prayer with music, but the Jews do. Did you ever listen to a Jewishworship service? The priest intones his prayers in music. Music is a gift of God and in prayer is agift to God. Both Old and New Testaments are full of examples and commands for individualsand groups to sing unto the Lord. The key here is not just sing, but to whom we sing - sing untothe Lord. It is the most intimate of fellowships with God.
Sing unto the Lord is a command of Scripture in both Old and New Testaments. It will be part ofour joys in heaven. Let us rehearse for heaven's courts and learn to practice the truth of Psalm100. “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: comebefore his presence with singing.”
David exhorted people everywhere to sing to the Lord... with psalms, with praises, with loudshouts, with dancing, with instruments, and much more. He made it a personal commitmentstating "I will sing" again and again throughout the Psalms. He gives us his personal reasons forsuch singing too: "because it is good, pleasant, comely, and because He has... triumphedgloriously, dealt bountifully with me, redeemed my soul, done marvelous things, gotten thevictory, done wondrous works, done excellent things, has great power, and He is a refuge introuble. He also tells us how he does this singing ...with my whole heart, while I have my being,upon his bed, in the congregation, in the night seasons, daily performing his vows.
The New Testament is no less emphatic about singing to the Lord in prayer. In Revelation 15:3 itis the Song of Moses and the song of the Lamb. God reveals the victory that believers have overthe powers of Satan, even after he is thrown down to earth with great wrath. The secret is in "theblood of the Lamb," but how often we forget the second part of that "the word of theirtestimony." That testimony is the song of the redeemed. Paul exhorts the church individually andcorporately to sing unto the Lord. In Ephesians 5:19 he says, "Speaking to yourselves in psalmsand hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;"
Then again in Colossians 3:16 he repeats: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in allwisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." Singing to the Lord is the badge of the believer. Itis the "living water" flowing out of our bellies for "out of the abundance of the heart the mouthspeaks."
HINT: One of my favorite activities in a personal prayer retreat is to carry along a Walkman withearphones and tapes of accapella worship music. It is simple, unembellished, Christ-centeredworship, and best of all I can sing along addressing each song from my heart to the Lord. Youmay choose to use music with instrumentation but be careful that it does not overpower, callattention to itself, or interrupt your communion with the Lord. If you play an instrument,harmonica, piano, flute, recorder, or even whistle use it to play skillfully to the Lord.
Use Songs In Intercession
Try singing through the Preparation for Intercessory Prayer Time. Each of the steps lendthemselves easily to hymns and songs that are reverent, worshipful and expressive of what we arepraying about. Remember, these are not hymns and choruses about God but songs addressed toHim. Try it. Remember too, there are many more choruses, hymns and spiritual songs than we cansuggest here.
⇒ Be Still - Be Still My Soul; I Come to the Garden Alone; Open My Eyes Lord; I Want to SeeJesus I Will Keep My Mind Stayed on You
⇒ Be Worshipful - As the Deer; I Love You Lord; In Moments Like These; Jesus; Name
Above All Names His Name is Wonderful; Be Exalted; Father I Love You; Isn't He? ⇒ Be Thankful - Give Thanks; God Is So God; In His (Your) Time; Allelujah - Thank you
Jesus; Thank You Lord for Saving My Soul ⇒ Confession - Cleanse My Heart O God; Create In Me A Clean Heart; Spirit of God Descend
Upon My Heart; Hide Me In Your Holiness; According To Thy Loving Kindness Father ⇒ Clothe in Armor - A Shield About Me; Fill Me Now; I Surrender All; Spirit of the Living
God Fall Fresh On Me; Mighty Warrior ⇒ Cast Cares - Burdens are Lifted At Calvary; I Cast My Every Care Upon You; / No One
Understands Like Jesus / What a Friend We Have in Jesus / Take Your Burden to the Lordand Leave It There
There are many old and new choruses that lend themselves to ministering to the Lord in songs ofworship and adoration. The criteria for a worship song is that is must be addressed to the Lord asa prayer of worship, not just about the Lord or one's personal experience. They should be ofsimple melodies easily sung without instrument, as opposed to songs of difficult and complexmeters. Choruses these days are changing faster than one can keep track. Here are a fewsuggestions to get you started.
CHORUSES OF ADORATION
- Thou Art Worthy- He Is Lord- His Name Is Wonderful- I Love You Lord- O Come Let Us Adore Him- Jesus, Name Above All Names- There's Something About That Name- Alleluia, He's my Savior- Jesus Is the Sweetest Name I Know
- Learning To Lean- My Jesus I Love Thee- He Is Able- Open Our (My) Eyes Lord- Spirit of Living God- Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus- More Precious Than Silver- I Exalt Thee- As The Deer
There are many more choruses and hymns the help you to worship. Choose those that arebest suited to bring you into God’s presence. They should be songs to the Lord, not aboutthe Lord.
